We
are a landscaping and plant production company. We consider the environmental
effect of everything we do. To control pests, we use the most environmentally
sound method and never resort to the use of harsh, chemical pesticides.
There is always an environmentally sound solution and we will work
with you to find it. We work to prevent pest problems in the first
place if we can. Healthy plants don't attract pests. We feel that
balance is the goal, not necessarily complete irradication. Methods
we use are education, observation, research, close monitoring, introduction
of beneficial insects, interplanting, crop rotation, companion planting,
specific watering and planting techniques, organic fertilizing, hand-picking,
soil-testing, physical weed removal, organic sprays, and aeration
and thatch removal for healthy lawns. We try to find the cause of
the pest problem and make changes to treat the cause, not just treat
the symptoms (the pests). We can work with you if you are chemically-sensitive.
We have references upon request and will travel a long-distance to
your home.

What
is your definition of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Using
the most environmentally sound method to control pests and never resorting
to the use of harsh chemicals. There is always an environmentally-sound
solution. There has to be.

Is pest management performed on a specific schedule?

They
are monitored in the same way with observation. We try to find the
cause of the pest problem if we find one and treat it, not just the
symptoms (the bugs).

How are pest problems identified?

Yes.
It depends on the situation, but not without need, not automatically;
although we do monitor regularly through observation (sometimes with
a magnifying glass) and research.

What practices
do you use to prevent and/or control pests?

We
use environmentally-sound control methods such as biological, physical
and mechanical techniques.

non-sythetic
organic pesticides or physical control. For deer and rabbits, use
interplanting with plants they dislike. For prevention choose deer-resistant
plants.

How do
you evaluate effectiveness of your pest management

Monitoring
after implementing controls. We don't feel it has to be 100% to be
effective, we can all co-exist together and achieve and appropriate
balance.

References

We
can give references to all individual requests, but we prefer to do
it when contacted so the customers are current; we like to let the
customers know ahead of time and don't feel its appropriate to expect
them to receive calls indefinitely.